Taliban will not Accept Permanent Truce until Political Deal: Khalilzad

U.S. Special representative on Afghan peace process Zalmay Khalilzad Says Taliban Won’t accept permanent cease-fire until political agreement is reached with the Afghanistan government.

“I think you’re right that the Talibs will not accept a cease-fire, comprehensive and permanent, until there’s a political settlement,” Khalilzad said on September 25.

According to him, despite the current spike in violence, it was still at lower levels than the same time last year.
“Compared to the first six months of last year to this year, despite a recent increase in violence, the number of casualties, both military and civilians, are down this year,” he added.
He called on the Taliban and the Afghan government to bring down the level of violence, and that the US is committed to get an agreement on reduction of violence.